Morning dawned on the Valemortis mansion with a promise of new beginnings. Elyandra awoke with a sense of quiet determination, her mind clear and focused. There was no longer the whirlwind of conflicting emotions that plagued her in her early days in that life. Now there was a serene acceptance of his fate and a growing confidence in his own ability.
As she rose from the bed, her eyes scanned the room, recording every detail with a familiarity that contrasted with the initial strangeness. The noble furniture, the elaborate tapestries, the exquisite art objects – all of this had become part of her reality, a backdrop for the journey that had shaped her.
"The time has come," Elyandra thought, her inner voice charged with a newfound firmness. "It's time to put into practice everything I've learned."
With precise and efficient movements, she prepared for the day. He put on appropriate clothes for the trip, checked his belongings, and made sure nothing had been forgotten. Each action was performed with a clear purpose, a quiet anticipation for the challenges that awaited it.
As she left her room and walked through the corridors of the mansion, Elyandra felt a weight of history and tradition in every step. But it was not a burden that bound her to the past. It was a force that propelled her into the future.
Elyandra came down the stairs with light but determined steps. Her eyes met those of her mother, Lady Valemortis, who was waiting for her in the entrance hall. The noblewoman smiled at her daughter, her face radiant with pride and affection.
"My dear Elyandra," Altheria said, her voice soft and melodious. "Are you ready for this big day?"
Elyandra nodded, a subtle smile curving her lips.
"I am, Mom. I feel... Prepared.
Lady Valemortis approached and held her daughter's hands, her eyes fixed on hers.
"Remember, my dear, the most important thing is to do your best. Don't worry about the results. Casa Valemortis is already proud of you.
She shook Elyandra's hands with affection.
"Whatever happens, we'll be here for you."
Elyandra felt a comforting warmth in her chest. Her mother's words calmed her, dispelling any trace of anxiety.
"Thank you, Mom. I will do my best. Promise.
Lady Valemortis opened her arms and wrapped Elyandra in a warm embrace, conveying all her love and support.
"Good luck, my dear.
Elyandra returned the hug with the same intensity, absorbing her mother's comfort and strength. As they parted, their eyes met one last time, sealing a moment of deep connection.
With a last hug and a shared smile, Elyandra walked away from her mother. She walked through the foyer, her footsteps echoing softly on the polished marble floor. Upon reaching the main door of the mansion, his eyes met the imposing figure of his father, Vaelric Valemortis.
He was standing beside the carriage of the Valemortis family, his posture erect and his expression as serious and reserved as ever. There were no effusive smiles or extravagant displays of emotion, but there was a glint of pride in her eyes as she watched her daughter approach.
"Elyandra," said Lord Valemortis, his voice deep and authoritative.
It was a simple greeting, but loaded with meaning. It was a recognition of his preparation, his strength, his potential.
Elyandra stopped before her father, meeting his steady gaze.
"Father.
The exchange was brief, but there was a silent communication between them. A mutual understanding that words were unnecessary. The actions would speak for themselves.
Lord Valemortis gestured toward the carriage, a silent invitation for Elyandra to embark on her journey.
Elyandra entered the carriage with the help of a servant, her movements graceful and precise. Lord Valemortis took his place beside his daughter, his imposing presence filling the space of the carriage. With a nod, he signaled to the coachman, and the carriage began to move, moving away from the Valemortis mansion.
As she watched the landscape pass by the window, Elyandra lost herself in her thoughts. It was one of the rare occasions when she left the boundaries of the Valemortis family estate, a freedom granted only under the strict supervision of her father.
"Nine years...", thought Elyandra, her inner voice charged with a mixture of resignation and frustration. "Nine years in this world, and this is one of the few times I actually leave home."
His mind revisited the restrictions imposed by Lord Valemortis throughout his childhood. The prohibition of visiting other noble houses without his presence, the impossibility of exploring the surroundings of the mansion even with companions. The feeling of enclosure, of living in a gilded cage, had always bothered her.
"He's so strict... so overprotective." Elyandra's reflection was nonjudgmental, but charged with a growing curiosity. "Why? What does he fear so much that will prevent me from having a normal life?"
The question echoed in her mind, a mystery she was determined to unravel. The Royal Academy exams were just the beginning of her journey, a step towards a future where she would have the freedom to explore the world and seek her own answers.
Lord Valemortis broke the silence, his voice deep and thoughtful.
— Barnacle who is pensive, Elyandra. Is there anything to worry about?
He did not ask the question with futile curiosity, but with genuine attention, like a commander assessing the state of a soldier before battle.
Elyandra hesitated for a moment, debating internally whether or not to voice her doubts. Openness was not always the best strategy at court, but with her father, she felt a growing need for honesty.
"Dad... There is something that intrigues me.
She took a deep breath before continuing.
"Why have you always been so... me? Why did you keep me so confined inside the mansion?
The question hung in the air of the carriage, loaded with years of pent-up curiosity.
Lord Valemortis let out a slow sigh, as if preparing for a long explanation.
"I confess that I didn't imagine that my concern would go unnoticed by you, Elyandra.
There was a pause, and then Elyandra realized the subtlety of that sentence. It was a fancy way of saying, "Did you really think I wouldn't notice that you're kind of naïve?"
Elyandra's eyes widened slightly, and a slight blush colored her cheeks. The irony of the situation did not escape her. Here she was, questioning her father's wisdom, only to be subtly reminded of her own inexperience. It was almost comical, if it wasn't so... embarrassing.
Lord Valemortis watched the landscape pass by the window for a moment, as if he were carefully choosing his words.
"Elyandra, for society, you are not just a child. You are... a luxury item. Valuable, coveted. Something that many would wish to possess, if they had the opportunity.
He said it with an objectivity that sent a shiver down Elyandra's spine. She found herself wondering if her own father saw her in the same way, as a property to be protected.
"I have received numerous letters about you. Marriage proposals, of course, but also... purchase proposals. Business. Nobles from distant kingdoms offered political alliances, influence, contacts... riches beyond imagination. All in exchange for your hand.
Her father's words painted a bleak picture of a world where she could be just a bargaining chip, a pawn in power games. A chill ran through her, and she felt grateful to have been born into a family like the Valemortis, a fortress that protected her from this fate.
Lord Valemortis turned to face Elyandra, his piercing eyes softening slightly as he noticed the pallor on her face. In a surprising gesture, he raised his hand and gently stroked Elyandra's head, a touch of unexpected comfort.
"Even the Church has offered to take care of you personally, my daughter. Promises of divine protection, of a glorious future... They offered a lot. But I refused.
His voice took on a somber tone.
"I know what happens to the Saints. I saw the fate of many of them. And I will not allow the same to happen to you.
He withdrew his hand and looked straight ahead again, his expression returning to his usual seriousness.
"That's why I kept her under my protection. The only place where I knew no one would dare touch you was by my side.
Elyandra tilted her head slightly to the side, her curiosity overcoming any hesitation.
"Dad... And Mom? You... bought it?
The question hung in the air, charged with a frankness that even Elyandra considered audacious. Lord Valemortis was silent for a moment, his expression inscrutable. It was as if he was reliving old memories, pondering how best to share them.
Finally, he sighed softly and began to speak.
"When I first saw her... I felt something that I couldn't explain. It was as if... as if the world around me had fallen silent.
His eyes were lost in a distant spot, a soft glow softening his normally stern features.
"I saw her again several times. I found excuses, business, any pretext to be in his presence.
In Elyandra's mind, a comedic thought arose, breaking the seriousness of the moment. "My father... the rigid and reserved Lord Valemortis... he was a hopeless romantic!"
She suppressed a smile, imagining the scene: the mighty lord finding pretexts to visit the lady who had captured her attention.
Lord Valemortis continued, his voice returning to its usual tone.
"We talked for hours. But... There was no future for us. The Church is adamant in matters of affection. Devotion to the Divine Light is the only passion allowed.
He paused, his gaze meeting Elyandra's.
"So... I used my influence. And the fact that his mother was a bearer of the Ancient Blood... he allowed me to acquire it within the policies of the Empire.
Her father's words hit her hard. "What a bizarre story..."
In Elyandra's mind, the scene unfolded with a touch of dark humor. She imagined the transaction, the terms and conditions, the strange union of romance and politics. His eyes widened slightly, and a crooked smile formed on his lips. The irony of the situation was almost absurd.
"Reincarnating in another world... and to discover that my parents 'bought' themselves out of love... This world exceeds all my expectations of bizarreness."
Elyandra quickly controlled her expressions, erasing any trace of humor or irony from her face. She didn't want to come across as disrespectful or flippant, especially in the face of her father's unusual openness.
"I see, Dad," Elyandra said, her voice calm and respectful. "Thank you for your sincerity.
Lord Valemortis nodded, his countenance returning to its usual serenity. He turned to the window, watching the landscape unfold outside the carriage. The smooth movement of the vehicle and the steady rhythm of the horses' hooves created a comfortable silence between them.
Elyandra followed her father's example, turning her eyes to the window. The city stretched out before her, a vibrant tapestry of towering buildings, bustling streets, and people from all walks of life. It was a vast, complex world full of opportunities and dangers, and Elyandra was about to dive headfirst into it.
As he watched the path to the Royal Academy approach, his thoughts stirred with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. The tests represented a new chapter in his life, a test of his abilities, and a step toward an uncertain but promising future.
As the carriage approached its destination, the Royal Academy of Magic appeared on the horizon, a sight that made Elyandra's eyes widen in admiration. It was like a fairytale castle, amplified to epic proportions, with architecture that defied reality. Towering towers towered skyward, adorned with spires and intricate carvings. Gleaming walls surrounded the complex, radiating an aura of power and mystery.
The color palette was vibrant and ethereal: the pure white of the stone blended with the gleaming gold of the ornamental details, all bathed in a magical light that seemed to emanate from the structure itself. It was a magical eye candy for Elyandra's golden eyes, a vision that captured the essence of fantasy and translated it into reality.
In the girl's mind, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions were mixed. There was admiration for the grandeur and beauty of the place, a sense of wonder at the magic that pulsated on its walls. But there was also a twinge of nervousness, an awareness of the importance of the moment and the challenges that awaited her.
As the Valemortis family carriage approached the gates of the Royal Academy of Magic, Elyandra watched the movement around her with increasing curiosity. A procession of elegant carriages headed for the same destination, each carrying young nobles and their attendants.
The vehicles were true works of art, adorned with intricate carvings, luxurious fabrics, and heraldic symbols that revealed the lineage and power of their occupants. Elyandra recognized some of the coats of arms instantly, thanks to her studies and familiarity with the most influential families in the Empire.
The other carriages bore coats of arms that Elyandra recognized from the stories and scrolls she had studied:
A golden open book on a purple background, representing House Eldrune, the Guardians of Scholarship.A stylized white rose on a green field, the emblem of House Lyra, the Voice of the Goddess.A golden sheaf of wheat on a brown background, symbolizing House Thorne, the Agrarian Pulse of the Empire.A golden anchor intertwined with blue waves, representing House Vancroft, the Lords of the Sea.
Each coat of arms told a story, revealing the function, attributes and influence of each noble house. Elyandra felt immersed in a world of power, politics, and tradition, where alliances and rivalries shaped the fate of the Empire.
The absence of the Sorell carriage caught Elyandra's attention. She recalled that members of House Sorell had already gone through this Academy admission process in previous years.
The Valemortis family carriage finally stopped in front of the imposing gates of the Royal Academy of Magic. The movement of the carriage ceased, and the momentary silence allowed the impact of the scene to intensify.
Elyandra's golden eyes shone with a mixture of wonder and excitement. The sight of the Academy, with its majestic architecture and aura of magical power, was even more impressive up close. It was a place of knowledge, of magic, of opportunities. A place where your future could be shaped.
With the help of a servant, Elyandra stepped out of the carriage, her movements graceful and confident. Lord Valemortis followed her, his imposing presence drawing glances from everyone present. The combination of Elyandra's beauty and determination with her father's seriousness and power created an aura of respect and expectation.
The other nobles and their attendants watched the arrival of the Valemortis family with a mixture of curiosity and caution. House Valemortis's reputation as the Shield of the Empire was well known, and its influence extended throughout the kingdom.
Elyandra ignored the stares, her attention fixed on the gates of the Academy. It was the threshold of a new phase in his life, a point of no return. And she was ready to cross that threshold and embrace the challenges that awaited her.